Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman said it will remain steady in exacting accountability in the flood control corruption scandal as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) loses another official.
The ICI is left with its chairperson, Andres Reyes Jr., after Rossana Fajardo, country manager at SGV & Co., confirmed on Friday, Dec. 26, she will also quit effective Dec. 31.
Former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson’s resignation took effect on Dec. 15.
For the Office of the Ombudsman, it sees the developments as “the natural flow of things.”
“Whether this signals the end or a transition phase of the ICI, the Office of the Ombudsman will remain steady in its pursuit of credible and hard evidence, quality cases, and real accountability,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Saturday, Dec. 27.
“It is only a matter of time before we see more cases filed in court – many upon the recommendation of the ICI,” he said.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said the ICI may have only a month or two before wrapping up its investigation on anomalous flood control projects.
Clavano said the Ombudsman values the work of the ICI, noting that it was formed during the transition to the new ombudsman to “ensure quick and reliable fact-finding and investigation.”
Remulla was appointed graft buster in October.
“Though, it has always been a concern for the ICI that they do not have immunity from suit – unlike the Ombudsman who is an impeachable officer. Thus, the exposure is high especially for those who head the commission,” Clavano said.
“In that context, it was quite noble for private individuals to even take on such a daunting task so significant in our country’s history,” he added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created the ICI in September through Executive Order 94.
The independent panel has a sunset clause, or it will end once it accomplishes its purposes or unless sooner dissolved by Marcos.
